New releases last four weeks: Indie/Alternative

Review: Depeche Mode's standout album Violator (1989) produced the landmark song 'Personal Jesus', and with its catchy bluesy riff and innovative but rare use of guitar by the otherwise great synthpop act, the song would upend and expand at the edges of an already well-varied sound. With lyrics inspired by 'Elvis And Me' by Priscilla Presley, exploring themes of devotion and stardom, while the record's controversial promotions saw the band take out personal ads, as well as advertise a phone number through which fans could hear the song. Now Matt Early (aka. Funky Wogan and Hardbag), DJ, producer and remixer extraordinaire of Far Horizon and Sub London fame, lays down an ingenious edit backed by the original number on the flip. Limited numbers on this furtive output, so keep your shopping cart fingers poised...

Review: British indie darlings Elbow return with their fifth EP this June, and their latest offering features last year's standalone single 'Adriana Again' alongside three brand-new, previously unheard tracks. Frontman Guy Garvey calls it a full-circle moment for the band in which they reflect on a creative peak where studio sessions are brimming with fun and fire. The EP blends soulful, textured instrumentation with lyrics rooted in Garvey's personal past so they are equal parts dark, joyful and reflective. Here are plenty of unpredictable guitar flourishes, a rock-solid rhythm section and bold production from Craig Potter all helping to make this feel both exhilarating and intimate.

Review: New Order's 'The Perfect Kiss' stands out as their first single to be simultaneously released on a studio album, appearing on 1985's Low-Life. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London, the track merges alternative dance with rock influences, reflecting themes of love and mortality. Bernard Sumner himself has admitted he's unsure of its full meaning, though one of its most recognised lines - "pretending not to see his gun / I said, 'Let's go out and have some fun'"- was inspired by a real-life encounter with a gun-owning host in the United States. Created in a sleep-deprived rush just before an Australian tour, the song has since been reinterpreted by artists like Capsule Giants and Amoeba Crunch and remixed by collectives such as Razormaid. Spin magazine's John Leland praised its evocative melody and intensity, particularly the explosive finale where the band cranks every machine to full power.

Review: Proper Monday Number is one of Brighton's most acclaimed electronic duo and here it teams Suzi Horn of cult DFA's Prinzhorn Dance School with producer Christoph Boseley. Their Deep Clean Your House EP packs five sharp, DIY dance-pop tracks into a tight 15 minutes of no filler, all fire heat for the 'floor. Mixing mid-2000s electro, bassline and a touch of nostalgia for 90s house vibes, it channels the gritty energy of your teenage bedroom's busted speakers. But this isn't just a throwback, it's a fresh, cynical-smashing blast of attitude and energy. Fun served up with a serious purpose that cannot fail to energise you to your core.